____ is an act, or failure to act, that is so reckless that it shows a conscious, voluntary disregard for the safety of others.

The term that describes an act, or failure to act, that demonstrates a conscious and voluntary disregard for the safety of others is gross negligence. Gross negligence goes beyond ordinary negligence, which may involve a failure to exercise reasonable care. In the case of gross negligence, the actions involved are so extreme that they demonstrate a blatant disregard for the potential harm that could come to others.

This level of negligence implies that the individual was aware of the risks involved and chose to ignore them, leading to severe consequences. This distinguishes it from other concepts such as malfeasance, which refers to an unlawful act, and willful and wanton conduct, which is closely related but not universally recognized in legal contexts. Negligence encapsulates a broader term for carelessness without the same level of acknowledgment of danger present in gross negligence.

Thus, in understanding this context, gross negligence is the most appropriate classification for behavior that recklessly endangers others, making it the correct answer.