Which type of contract would include a one-way benefit without reciprocation?

A gratuitous contract is characterized by providing one party with a benefit without requiring anything in return from the other party. This type of contract is fundamentally different from others that involve mutual benefits or obligations.

In a gratuitous contract, one party agrees to provide a benefit, such as a gift or a service, without expecting any compensation or performance from the other side. For example, if someone donates a car to a charity, the charity receives the benefit without having to provide anything back to the donor. This one-sided nature is what distinguishes it from other types of contracts, which often require a quid pro quo arrangement.

In contrast, an aleatory contract is based on uncertain events and involves the distribution of risk, typically seen in insurance contracts, where the payout depends on certain occurrences. Onerous contracts involve mutual obligations; each party benefits and has a duty to perform, such as in sales contracts. Unilateral contracts entail an offer that can be accepted by performance but does not inherently mean one party benefits without the other having any obligations, such as a reward offer for finding a lost pet.

Thus, the best representation of a contract that provides a one-way benefit is a gratuitous contract.