Which of the following actions can lead to a death penalty under Texas Penal Code?

The action of paying another person to kill a business partner falls under the category of capital murder, which is punishable by the death penalty in Texas. The Texas Penal Code specifies that a person can be charged with capital murder if they intentionally or knowingly cause the death of an individual or solicit another person to commit murder. In this scenario, the act of hiring someone to commit murder demonstrates intent and involvement in a premeditated plan to end a life, meeting the criteria for capital offenses.

In contrast, the other actions listed—stealing a car, vandalizing property, and committing fraud—do not involve the intent to kill or cause death and are considered lesser offenses with different penalties. These crimes are typically classified as felonies or misdemeanors but do not reach the severity required for a death penalty sentence under Texas law. Therefore, the involvement in orchestrating a murder, as indicated in the correct option, aligns with the conditions under Texas law that warrant the most severe punishment.