What type of risk is involved when there is no possibility of gain?

The type of risk involved when there is no possibility of gain is referred to as pure risk. Pure risk is characterized by situations that can result only in loss or no loss, with no potential for profit. Examples of pure risk include the risk of damage to property from a natural disaster or the risk of illness. In these scenarios, the outcomes are limited to unfavorable results (losses) or neutral outcomes (no loss) but do not include the potential for financial gain.

In contrast, speculative risk encompasses scenarios that can lead to both loss and gain, such as investing in stocks or starting a business, where the outcomes include potential profits as well as losses. Investment risk is a subcategory of speculative risk that specifically focuses on the financial implications of different investment choices.

Understanding the distinctions between these types of risk is crucial in the field of insurance, as it helps in assessing the insurable risks and determining appropriate coverage and premiums.