Which type of risk includes potential for both loss and gain?

Speculative risk is characterized by its potential for both loss and gain, making it distinct from other types of risk. This form of risk often involves activities where the outcomes can be either favorable or unfavorable. For example, investing in the stock market or starting a new business exposes one to speculative risk because there is a chance for financial profit as well as the possibility of losing money.

In contrast, pure risk only involves the chance of loss without any opportunity for gain, such as the risk of a house burning down. Adverse risk typically refers to situations where there is a negative consequence, and insurable risk describes risk that can be transferred to an insurance company, generally aligning more closely with pure risk scenarios. Therefore, when considering the definition and characteristics of different risk types, speculative risk stands out as the correct choice due to its inherent dual potential for loss and gain.