What does "unjust enrichment" refer to in legal terms?

"Unjust enrichment" in legal terms primarily refers to the concept that one party should not benefit or be enriched at the expense of another in an unfair manner. This principle is often invoked in cases where there has been no formal contract or where the contract is unenforceable, yet one party has received a benefit that they should not be allowed to keep without compensating the other party.

In situations where unjust enrichment is claimed, the courts look to rectify the situation by requiring the party that has been enriched to compensate the other party, thereby restoring a balance. This concept is crucial in preventing situations where one individual wrongly profits from the actions or contributions of another, ensuring fairness and equity in dealings.

The other options represent concepts that do not capture the essence of unjust enrichment. Financial benefits achieved through legal means or successful business practices do not imply any unfair advantage or harm to another party. Similarly, gaining advantages through negotiation suggests a mutual agreement rather than an imbalance of benefit at the expense of one party, which contradicts the foundational principle of unjust enrichment.