Criminal recklessness occurs when a person:

Criminal recklessness is defined by a person's behavior that demonstrates a conscious disregard for a substantial and unjustifiable risk of causing harm to another person. This concept falls under the principles of criminal law, where it emphasizes the actor's awareness of the potential consequences of their actions.

The correct answer centers on the creation of a significant risk of physical harm to another individual. This means that the person is aware that their actions have the potential to cause harm and yet chooses to proceed regardless, indicating a disregard for the safety of others. This is a key aspect that differentiates reckless behavior from actions that are merely accidental or inadvertent.

The other choices do not reflect the definition of criminal recklessness as effectively. Accidentally harming someone typically denotes a lack of intent and awareness about the risk involved, which does not align with the element of conscious disregard necessary for recklessness. Acting in self-defense is a justified response aimed at protecting oneself from imminent danger and does not constitute recklessness. Lastly, being unaware of one's actions suggests an absence of intent or knowledge regarding the risk, which also contrasts with the concept of recklessness, as the person must be aware of the risk to be considered reckless. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the nuances within criminal law regarding different forms of