What type of loss is covered by consequential damage in a boiler and machinery policy?

Consequential damage in a boiler and machinery policy refers to the indirect losses that occur as a result of a primary event, often stemming from equipment failure or malfunction. In this context, option B specifically highlights loss due to spoilage from lack of power, light, steam, or refrigeration, which are all essential for maintaining the quality and viability of certain goods, particularly perishables.

When machinery fails, it can lead to situations where power or environmental conditions are disrupted, causing perishable items to spoil. This loss does not arise directly from the machinery being damaged, but rather from the resulting inability to maintain necessary conditions. Thus, this type of loss is classified as consequential because it is a secondary effect of the machinery's breakdown.

Other options such as loss due to theft, equipment breakdown, or accidents are not classified under consequential damage. Theft is a direct loss, equipment breakdown refers to the primary cause that may lead to consequential damages, and accidents generally cover immediate physical damages rather than the subsequent impacts on other assets. Therefore, option B correctly identifies the nature of the consequential damage covered by a boiler and machinery policy.