Which type of culpability is characterized by a conscious disregard of a substantial risk?

The type of culpability characterized by a conscious disregard of a substantial risk is recklessly. Recklessness involves an individual's awareness of a significant risk created by their actions, yet they choose to act anyway, disregarding the potential consequences. This mental state reflects a certain level of indifference towards the safety of others or to the legal standards in place.

By contrast, negligence involves a failure to perceive a risk that a reasonable person would have noticed, which does not include the conscious element present in recklessness. Intentionally refers to actions taken with the purpose of achieving a particular result, showing a deliberate desire to cause harm or engage in conduct. Knowingly involves awareness that one's conduct will almost certainly cause a result, but without the conscious disregard component. Therefore, recklessness uniquely captures the essence of knowingly disregarding a significant risk and making the choice to proceed despite that awareness.