According to California Penal Code, how is "vandalism" defined?

Vandalism, as defined under California Penal Code, specifically refers to the willful destruction of another person's property. This definition emphasizes the intention behind the act; the perpetrator must have the intent to damage or destroy someone else's property. This distinguishes vandalism from accidental or negligent damage, which would not meet the criteria for this specific offense. Willful destruction implies a conscious choice to engage in behavior that damages property, which is an essential component of legally categorizing an act as vandalism.

In contrast, other options such as inadvertently damaging or negligently causing harm to property do not encompass the deliberate intent required for vandalism. These actions would fall under different legal considerations, as they lack the clear intention to harm that is necessary for vandalism under the law. Additionally, merely altering someone's property without consent, if done without the element of destruction, may not fully align with the legal definition and may not be classified as vandalism either.