What aspect differentiates tort law from contract law?

The distinction between tort law and contract law primarily lies in the nature of the obligations they address. Tort law is designed to handle civil wrongs that occur independently of any contractual agreements. It encompasses a wide range of issues, including negligence, defamation, and personal injury, where one party's actions cause harm to another.

In contrast, contract law specifically relates to the enforcement of agreements between parties, dealing with breaches of explicitly stated or implied obligations arising from a contract. Thus, the core of tort law is its focus on civil wrongs that are not derived from any contractual duty, making it fundamentally different from contract law.

The other options present different aspects but do not accurately capture this crucial difference. For instance, while tort law may involve breaches of statutory duties, this does not set it apart from contract law, as contract law also has statutory elements. Additionally, tort law applies to both private individuals and entities, contrary to what is suggested by one of the choices. Lastly, while proving injury is a vital part of many tort claims, it is also pertinent in certain contract cases where damages must be established. Hence, the second option captures the essence of what separates tort law from contract law.