What type of risk does "force majeure" alleviate in contracts?

Force majeure refers to extraordinary events or circumstances beyond the control of the parties involved in a contract that prevent the fulfillment of contractual obligations. This concept typically includes natural disasters, wars, strikes, or other unforeseeable events that make it impossible or impractical to perform as agreed. When force majeure is invoked, it alleviates the risk of being held liable for failing to complete the contract due to these uncontrollable events.

In essence, it protects the parties from penalties associated with non-performance since the events causing the delay or inability to perform were not predictable and could not have been avoided through reasonable diligence. This is why the correct answer focuses specifically on unforeseeable events that impede the ability to carry out the terms of a contract, highlighting the legal principle that serves to fairly allocate risks inherent in contract performance.