Which of the following scenarios most likely constitutes a breach of contract?

A breach of contract typically occurs when one party fails to fulfill its obligations as specified in the agreement. In this scenario, when one party refuses to perform their obligations, it clearly indicates an inability or unwillingness to adhere to the terms of the contract. This action directly undermines the agreed-upon terms and negatively affects the other party, thereby constituting a breach.

In contrast, mutual agreement to modify the contract terms indicates collaboration rather than a breach. A delay in fulfilling obligations can be a concern but may not necessarily be a breach, especially if it doesn’t significantly affect the overall performance or is due to extenuating circumstances. Lastly, while a lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings or potential disputes, it does not automatically result in a breach unless it leads to a refusal to perform obligations outlined in the contract. Thus, the first scenario most clearly exemplifies a breach of contract.