d.
The bailee’s standard of care will be very high.
If a bailment is without reward and for the benefit of the person possessing the property, it is known as a "gratuitous bailment". In such a scenario, the bailee (person who possesses the property) is not receiving any compensation or reward for holding the property and is only doing so for the benefit of themselves.
In a gratuitous bailment, the bailee's standard of care is expected to be even higher than in a bailment where the bailee is being compensated. This is because the bailee is holding the property for their own benefit and not for the benefit of the bailor (person who owns the property). Therefore, the bailee is expected to exercise the utmost care in protecting and preserving the property while it is in their possession.
If the bailee fails to exercise the appropriate level of care and the property is damaged, lost or stolen, the bailee may be held liable for the loss, even though they are not receiving any compensation for holding the property. Therefore, in a gratuitous bailment, the bailee should take all necessary precautions to safeguard the property and ensure its safe return to the bailor.
