Which of the following defines a hate crime?

A hate crime is specifically defined as a criminal act that is motivated, in whole or in part, by bias against a person's race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability. The significance of this definition lies in the intent behind the crime, which distinguishes it from other types of criminal acts. While crimes motivated by economic gain or revenge may involve malicious intent, they do not encompass the bias-driven motivations that are characteristic of hate crimes. Similarly, a crime that merely involves vandalism could potentially be considered a hate crime only if it targets an individual or group based on one of the protected characteristics outlined in the hate crime definition. Thus, the correct choice directly aligns with the legal framework surrounding hate crimes that underscores their focus on bias and discrimination.