What constitutes arson under Ohio law?

Under Ohio law, arson is defined primarily as the act of creating a risk of physical harm to property by intentionally setting fire to or causing an explosion. This offense is specifically concerned with the potential danger posed to property, as well as the intent behind the action.

The correct choice highlights that creating a risk of physical harm to property without the consent of the owner is a key element of arson. It emphasizes both the intentional aspect of the act and the requirement that such conduct endangers someone else's property. This aligns closely with the legal definitions and attributes of arson, where the primary focus is on the act of causing a fire or explosion that threatens not only the property but potentially the safety of individuals nearby.

Other choices refer to actions that either do not specify the intentional setting of fires or explosions or are not legally classified as arson under Ohio law. For example, causing property damage through theft lacks the specific element of fire or explosion, while disrupting public service operations does not necessarily involve property damage or fire. Damaging property intentionally, while similar, does not fully capture the unique aspects of arson that involve intentionally causing a risk through combustion-related crimes.