The correct answer is a) consumers.
A pure market economy, often referred to as a laissez-faire economy, is characterized by minimal government intervention and a focus on free markets. The main engine of this system is the actions and choices of consumers, which drive supply and demand. In such an economy, businesses strive to produce goods and services that satisfy the preferences of consumers since their success depends on capturing consumer demand.
When consumers show interest in particular products, companies respond by creating those products. The competition among businesses further helps to improve product quality and reduce prices, ultimately benefiting consumers. Therefore, in a pure market economy, the primary objective is to meet the desires and needs of consumers, as they play a crucial role in shaping the market dynamics.