Which level of culpable state of mind is considered the highest?

The highest level of culpable state of mind is intentional. This pertains to when an individual consciously designs to bring about a particular outcome or engages in behavior that is directed toward achieving a specific result. An intentional state of mind indicates a clear awareness and purpose behind one's actions, signifying that the individual not only understands the implications of their actions but actively seeks to produce a certain effect.

In contrast, the other states of mind reflect varying degrees of awareness and control. Negligent behavior entails a failure to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk, indicating a lack of care. Reckless behavior involves a conscious disregard of a known risk, which still shows a degree of awareness but is less direct than intentional behavior. Knowing behavior denotes an understanding that a certain outcome is practically certain to occur, but it lacks the goal-directed aspect present in intentional actions. Thus, intentional represents the most severe level of culpability, embodying the notion of actively choosing to engage in conduct that leads to a specific outcome.