What does the term venal refer to?

The term "venal" specifically refers to the condition of being open to corruption, particularly in the realm of ethics or morality. It describes someone or something that is willing to be bribed or influenced for personal gain, often at the expense of integrity or principle. This reflects a lack of scruples, where actions can be bought or sold, emphasizing a transactional and morally compromised nature.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with this definition. For example, assistance in time of difficulty focuses on support and help, which is unrelated to the concept of corruption. The notion of having disdain for others suggests a feeling of superiority and contempt, while showing arrogance refers to an overly high opinion of one's own worth or abilities. None of these alternatives encompass the idea of being susceptible to corruption in the same way as "venal."