What is the legal definition of arson?

The legal definition of arson is specifically focused on the act of purposefully setting fire to property. This act involves an element of intent, where the individual engages in the deliberate act of igniting a fire with the purpose of causing damage. This distinguishes arson from other related concepts, as it requires forethought and intention rather than accidental or negligent behavior.

In the context of the other options, while they may involve destruction of property or related offenses, they do not encapsulate the specific elements that define arson. For instance, intentional destruction of property could apply to a broader range of activities beyond fire-related incidents. Negligent handling of flammable materials does not involve intent to cause damage and instead focuses on careless actions that could lead to a fire. Unauthorized use of property pertains to issues of ownership and permission, which are unrelated to the act of setting a fire. Thus, purposefully setting fire to property accurately captures the essence of arson under legal definitions.