Which of the following is an example of a peril?

The choice of theft as an example of a peril is accurate because a peril is defined as a specific risk or cause of loss that can affect the value of an insured property. In the context of insurance, perils are the events that result in damage or loss, and theft clearly fits this definition as it represents a risk that can directly lead to financial loss for the property owner.

When considering the other options, carelessness refers to a human action or neglect that can lead to loss but is not classified as a peril itself. Bad credit is a financial condition that may indicate risk to lenders but does not represent a specific cause of property loss or damage. A poorly maintained property can certainly contribute to risk but is more about the condition of the property than a specific peril. Only theft encapsulates a clear, identifiable risk that can be insured against, affirming its status as a legitimate peril.