Which of the following best describes an "Act of God" regarding contracts?

The term "Act of God" refers specifically to natural events that are beyond human control and that can impede a party's ability to fulfill contractual obligations. These events typically include phenomena like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or other severe weather events. In contract law, if an "Act of God" occurs, it can relieve the affected party from liability for non-performance since these circumstances were not foreseeable and are not a result of negligence or deliberate action on their part.

This concept is important in the context of contract law, as it recognizes that certain unforeseen natural disasters can disrupt the normal course of business operations, making it impossible for parties to fulfill their contractual commitments without penalty. Such provisions are often included in contracts under "force majeure" clauses, which outline the parties' rights and obligations when faced with such unexpected natural events.

The other choices do not align with the definition of "Act of God." Deliberate failure points to willful actions of one party, legal changes pertain to man-made alterations in law and governance, and financial crises relate to economic conditions rather than natural occurrences. These do not meet the criteria of events outside human control that directly lead to inability to fulfill contract obligations.