Gross negligence is equivalent to fraud.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) A trustee or fiduciary whose neglect is so extreme as to amount to recklessness is treated the same as one who acted with fraudulent intent — gross negligence and fraud produce the same legal consequences.

Where this applies

• A financial advisor who never bothers to read his clients' account statements before investing their money is held liable for fraud, even though he didn't intend to cause harm.
• A trustee who completely ignores the management of a trust fund is treated the same as one who deliberately stole from it.
• A doctor who prescribes medication without even glancing at the patient's chart is held to the same standard as one who intentionally harmed the patient.