What is defined as the failure to exercise ordinary care or the doing of something which a reasonable and prudent person would not do?

The definition given in the question aligns perfectly with the concept of negligence. Negligence refers to the failure to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would exercise in similar circumstances, leading to harm or injury to another party. This principle is rooted in the expectation that individuals should conduct themselves in a way that prevents foreseeable harm to others.

In legal contexts, negligence is a critical concept because it establishes the basis for liability in personal injury cases. It requires proving that the accused party had a duty of care, that they breached this duty by acting (or failing to act) in a manner inconsistent with what an ordinary person would have done, and that this breach directly caused harm.

The other options describe different legal concepts that do not fit the definition provided. Intentional tort refers to actions taken with the intention of causing harm, rather than failing to take appropriate care. Culpability pertains to the level of blame or responsibility attributed to someone for a wrongdoing, often in the context of criminal law. Malpractice specifically relates to professional negligence, typically by those in a specific profession, but it is a more narrowed application of the broader negligence principle. Thus, negligence is the most accurate and encompassing term for the definition stated in the question.