A court is now considering a question of remoteness with respect to a plaintiff's injury. Plaintiff's counsel has argued the injury was a direct result of the negligent act of the defendant. Which element of this tort action must have already been established in Step $2?$

Select one:

a$.$ will compensation discourage legitimate business activity?

b$.$ did the defendant breach the standard of care?

c$.$ was the injury suffered too remote?

d$.$ is the imposition of a standard of care unreasonable?