Which of the following defines bribery?

Bribery is fundamentally defined as the act of offering money or benefits to a public servant with the intent to influence their decisions or actions in their official capacity. This definition captures the essence of corrupt practices, where undue advantage is sought through unethical means, thereby compromising the integrity of the decision-making process. The elements of offering and intent to influence are central to understanding bribery and its implications in a legal and ethical context.

In contrast, the other options describe scenarios that do not align with the definition of bribery. Offering benefits for a public service could imply legitimate compensation for services rendered, not necessarily an attempt to influence decisions. Contributing to charity is typically considered a positive, altruistic action that does not involve coercion or the pursuit of personal gain. Paying for professional development opportunities, while potentially beneficial and often encouraged, does not inherently involve illicit influence over a decision-maker and is generally seen as a standard practice in professional growth.