What characterizes a win-lose outcome?

A win-lose outcome is characterized by a scenario where the fulfillment of one party's needs occurs at the direct expense of another party. In this context, typically one side gains benefits, satisfaction, or achieves its goals while the other side is left dissatisfied or negatively impacted by the result. This type of outcome often reflects competitive dynamics in negotiations or conflicts where the interests of the two parties are directly opposed.

In contrast, the other options present different scenarios. The first option suggests a mutually satisfactory outcome, which aligns more with a win-win situation rather than a win-lose. The second option implies that all parties suffer equally, indicating a lose-lose outcome rather than a win-lose dynamic. Lastly, the fourth option describes a situation where negotiations fail to produce any agreement, which does not directly address the single party that wins while the other loses. Therefore, the definition of a win-lose outcome distinctly aligns with the fulfillment of one party's needs at the detriment of the other, making it the correct choice.