What term refers to intentionally or recklessly causing damage to another's property?

The term that best refers to intentionally or recklessly causing damage to another's property is "criminal mischief." This legal term encapsulates activities where a person damages, destroys, or interferes with someone else's property, particularly when done with intent or a disregard for the possible consequences. Criminal mischief can cover a wide range of actions, making it a comprehensive term in legal contexts.

While "property damage" might seem plausible, it is more of a descriptive phrase rather than a specific legal term, lacking the precise legal implications that "criminal mischief" carries. "Theft," on the other hand, refers specifically to unlawfully taking someone else's property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it, which does not include the concept of damage. Similarly, "vandalism" generally refers to the act of deliberately destroying or defacing property, but it is often used in a more specific context that may not encompass all actions related to criminal mischief. Therefore, "criminal mischief" accurately captures the breadth of intentional or reckless property damage, aligning closely with legal definitions and use in various jurisdictions.