Which of the following is an element of vandalism?

Willfully and intentionally damaging property is a key element of vandalism. This crime is characterized by the deliberate action of causing destruction or defacement to someone else's property. The motivations behind this behavior can vary, but the critical point is the intention behind the act. Vandalism requires proof that the individual acted with purpose, showing a conscious choice to damage the property rather than it occurring accidentally or neglectfully.

In contrast, negligence in maintaining property pertains to a failure to care for something, which does not involve the conscious decision to inflict harm. Encountering an accident with property implies an unintentional event that does not meet the criteria for vandalism at all. Purchasing property illegally relates to the acquisition of property rather than its damage, which is outside the scope of vandalism’s definition. Thus, the essence of vandalism lies in the intentional and willful act of damaging property, making that answer correct.