Which of the following terms refers to the cause of damage or loss?

The term that refers to the cause of damage or loss is "Peril." In the context of insurance and risk management, a peril is a specific risk or event that can lead to a loss. This can include natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, as well as man-made events like theft or accidents. Recognizing perils is crucial in determining the types of coverage an insurance policy offers, as it helps in assessing what risks are covered and how they are managed.

In contrast, "Occurrence" typically refers to an event that results in injury or damage, but it may not solely denote the cause. "Liability" pertains to the legal responsibility that one party has to another, which may arise from an event or action but does not define the cause itself. "Coverage" involves the extent to which risks are insured or the protection offered by an insurance policy, but it is not a direct reference to the causes of damage or loss. Therefore, identifying "Peril" as the cause gives a clear understanding of the nature of risks evaluated in insurance.