What is meant by 'conspicuously ignoring' as an example of early warning signs?

The concept of 'conspicuously ignoring' refers to a behavior where an individual noticeably disregards or fails to acknowledge something or someone, which can be a warning sign of potential issues. When a person, especially in a correctional setting, deliberately avoids eye contact, it suggests a deeper disconnect or unwillingness to engage, which can indicate emerging problems with compliance or authority. This behavior could be a red flag, signaling that the individual may not respond well to directives or could escalate tensions.

In contrast, other behaviors such as aggressively confronting authority may indicate direct defiance but do not capture the subtler nuances of avoidance or disengagement. Straightforward compliance, on the other hand, would not signify any warning signs at all, as it depicts an acceptance of authority. Ignoring orders politely might seem respectful but still does not carry the weight of an unmistakable disregard that 'conspicuously ignoring' implies. Therefore, the choice highlighting the act of deliberately avoiding eye contact is the clearest illustration of this early warning sign.