The most accurate response is: As the Romans conquered territory, they gained access to trade resources, which encouraged more expansion.
This statement highlights the interdependence between Roman expansion and trade. As the Romans expanded their empire, they not only sought to gain control over new territories but also aimed to secure access to valuable trade resources and routes. The Indian Ocean was a significant area for trade, connecting various regions and facilitating the exchange of goods such as spices, silk, and precious metals.
While the other options touch upon aspects of Roman policy and trade, they either simplify the relationship or misrepresent the nature of Roman expansion as purely punitive or unrelated to trade interests. The Roman Empire’s growth often came with the intention of enhancing economic prosperity through increased trade opportunities, reinforcing the idea that expansion and trade were closely linked in the context of their policies.