What does the term "deep pockets" refer to in the context of civil lawsuits?

The term "deep pockets" in the context of civil lawsuits refers to agencies or entities that possess significant financial resources and are likely to be held financially liable in the event of a lawsuit. This concept implies that these organizations have the means to pay for damages or settlements, making them more appealing targets for plaintiffs seeking compensation.

When legal claims are pursued, plaintiffs often look for defendants who have the ability to cover potential settlements or judgments. Large corporations, government entities, or institutions that have substantial assets are considered to have "deep pockets." This phrase is commonly used to highlight the financial disparities that exist in legal actions, where plaintiffs may prefer to go after defendants who can afford to address claims, rather than individuals or smaller entities with limited financial means.

The other options focus on specific categories of individuals or entities, but they do not capture the broad concept that "deep pockets" represents, which is the accessibility of substantial financial resources for legal liabilities.