wan·ton /'wänt-ən, 'wȯnt-/ adj: manifesting extreme indifference to a risk of injury to another that is known or should have been known: characterized by knowledge of and utter disregard for probability of resulting harm
a wanton act
by such wanton or willful misconduct see also reckless
◇ Wanton reckless, and willful are often used to refer to an aggravated level of negligence that borders on intent and that is often ground for an award of punitive damages.
wan·ton·ly adv
wan·ton·ness n
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.