Which offense indicates the malicious act of causing damage through fire?

The correct answer is arson, which is specifically defined as the intentional act of setting fire to property with the intent to cause damage. This offense is characterized by its malicious intent and the resulting harm to property or potential harm to individuals. Arson not only encompasses the destruction by fire but also includes various legal implications, such as the risk associated with endangering lives and public safety.

In contrast, other choices like fire starter and incendiary crime may refer to individuals or overall categories related to fire-setting behavior, but they lack the precise legal definition and implications inherent to arson. Property arson could suggest a more specific instance of arson pertaining to a physical structure or item, but it still stems from the broader term "arson." Hence, the term "arson" encapsulates the legal definition and concept of maliciously causing damage through fire more accurately than the other options.