The option that most directly describes ethical standards is:
A. principles that promote good behavior, fairness, and kindness
Ethical standards generally encompass the idea of promoting positive behavior, fairness, and kindness, serving as a foundation for evaluating what is considered right and wrong within various contexts.
Options B, C, and D may refer to rules, guidelines, or safety instructions, but they do not specifically capture the essence of ethical standards as principles guiding moral conduct.