What implication does a risk-averse investor's decision making generally have?

A risk-averse investor typically prioritizes the preservation of capital and steadiness over maximizing returns, which inherently involves a preference for lower-risk investments. When evaluating potential investments, these investors are inclined to choose options that may offer similar returns with less uncertainty or volatility. This behavior stems from the desire to avoid potential losses, which can be more psychologically impactful than equivalent gains.

In contrast to this approach, the other choices suggest attitudes or strategies that do not align with the principles of risk aversion. Accepting higher volatility in exchange for potentially higher returns contradicts the risk-averse mindset. Similarly, a preference for speculative investments or focusing solely on short-term gains would indicate a more aggressive approach to investing, which is at odds with the cautious nature of risk-averse individuals. Therefore, the correct understanding of risk-averse behavior reflects a strong tendency towards stability and minimized risk while still aiming for satisfactory returns.