What distinguishes a universal agent from other types of agents?

A universal agent is distinguished by their broad authority to act on behalf of a principal in a wide variety of matters, rather than being limited to specific tasks or purposes. This means that a universal agent can make decisions and perform actions that encompass nearly all actions permissible by the principal. This level of authority allows the agent to engage in activities that may go beyond the typical boundaries set for other types of agents, such as special agents or general agents, who usually have limited or specific areas of authority.

In contrast, the other choices reflect attributes of different types of agency relationships. For example, the option referring to limited authority pertains to agents with specific limitations, while those acting for a single purpose illustrate a more narrow mandate. The focus on local property laws does not accurately describe the nature of a universal agent’s capacity; rather, it touches upon the regulatory environment that agents must navigate. Thus, the key feature that defines a universal agent is their comprehensive authority to act in virtually any aspect related to the principal's interests.