reck·less adj: characterized by the creation of a substantial and unjustifiable risk to the lives, safety, or rights of others and by a conscious and sometimes wanton and willful disregard for or indifference to that risk that is a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would exercise in like circumstances
a reckless state of mind may be inferred from conduct see also involuntary manslaughter at manslaughter; reckless homicide at homicide, recklessness compare careless
reck·less·ly adv
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.