What did Josh say about his own actions that led to Peak's exclusion?

• A. He said he had been selfish and that the climbers had paid the tab, so Peak would be sent back down.
• B. He claimed Peak caused delays by not following orders.
• C. He stated Peak had paid for his own gear.
• D. He announced Peak would join a secret route.

Answer: (C)

This question tests how who pays for equipment can affect group decisions. Josh’s statement that Peak paid for his own gear reveals where the tension came from: the team or program has expectations about funding and sponsorship for gear, and Peak funding it himself signals a break with those expectations. That shift can lead to exclusion because it changes how the group views Peak’s role, eligibility, or adherence to the program’s norms. The other options describe different actions, but they don’t capture the funding issue that directly caused the exclusion.