The correct answer is A) all of these are examples of principal agent problems.
To understand why this is the case, we need to look at what a principal-agent problem is. Essentially, it occurs when one person or group (the principal) hires another (the agent) to perform a task on their behalf, but there’s a conflict of interest. The agent may not act in the best interest of the principal due to factors like lack of incentive or misaligned goals.
In the example of your roommate shirking her obligation to keep the apartment kitchen clean, she is not fulfilling her responsibilities as agreed upon, which can lead to tension and dissatisfaction for you as the principal.
Similarly, in the case of the crab fishing boat owner who catches too many crabs, the boat owner (agent) may prioritize short-term profit over the long-term sustainability of the crab population, potentially harming the fishing business in the long run, which is contrary to the principal’s (collective fishermen’s) interest.
Thus, both examples highlight how agents may not act in the best interests of their principals, making all of these scenarios valid examples of principal-agent problems.