Opinion ID: 787762
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Willful Misconduct

Text: 36 Nor did the district court clearly err in concluding that defendants' misconduct was willful. We apply California law to this inquiry. See Dazo v. Globe Airport Sec. Servs., 295 F.3d 934, 940 (9th Cir.2002). Determining willful misconduct is based on a subjective standard and can be satisfied through circumstantial evidence. Husain, 316 F.3d at 839. 37 Defendants do not contend that Neischer voluntarily relinquished her bag, or that their employees were unaware of her medical condition. Neischer was repeatedly promised action that was or should have been within the defendants' power to deliver. The usual meaning assigned to `wilful,' `wanton' or `reckless,' ... is that the actor has intentionally done an act of an unreasonable character in disregard of a risk known to him or so obvious that he must be taken to have been aware of it, and so great as to make it highly probable that harm would follow. New v. Consol. Rock Prods. Co., 171 Cal.App.3d 681, 689, 217 Cal.Rptr. 522 (1985) (quoting PROSSER, LAW OF TORTS § 34, at 185 (4th ed.1971)); see also Dazo, 295 F.3d at 941 (discussing California standard of willful misconduct). In light of Prescod's representations concerning her mother's health, and the promises made to Neischer, the seizure of Neischer's bag meets the standard of willful misconduct.