What constitutes bribery in a legal context?

Bribery in a legal context involves offering something of value with the intention of influencing an official action or decision, particularly in a manner that violates legal duties. This definition encompasses actions where one party seeks to improperly persuade another party, typically a public official, to act in their favor instead of fulfilling their legal responsibilities.

In this context, option B accurately captures the essence of bribery by highlighting both the offering of something valuable and the intent to influence actions that should be performed according to existing legal obligations. This distinction is crucial because bribery undermines integrity, trust, and the rule of law, creating an unequal playing field and promoting corruption.

Other options do not align with the legal definition of bribery. For instance, simply giving gifts to colleagues does not inherently involve an intent to corrupt or influence official duties. Similarly, donations to political campaigns and support for community programs can be legitimate actions when done transparently and according to the law, rather than as a means to sway decisions or gain undue advantage.