What determines the amount an individual is liable for in most cases?

The amount an individual is liable for in most cases is determined by either one month's basic pay or the actual loss, whichever is less. This principle is established to ensure that accountability is balanced; it protects individuals from facing disproportionate financial burdens while also holding them responsible for losses that have occurred.

In practical terms, this means that if the actual loss incurred is less than one month’s basic pay, the individual is only liable for the amount of the actual loss. Conversely, if the loss exceeds one month’s pay, the liability is capped at that one month’s pay amount, which provides a safeguard for the employee. This system encourages a sense of accountability while also recognizing that excessive penalties may be neither fair nor reasonable.

The other options do not accurately reflect the liability criteria outlined in property accountability practices. Individual salary, length of service, and supervisor approval are not directly tied to determining the maximum amount of liability in most contexts, thus making them less relevant in this specific scenario.