According to Social Learning Theory, When Delinquents Rationalize Their Bad

According to social learning theory, when delinquents rationalize their bad acts with statements such as "I can't help myself, I was born this way," they are:

A) trying to assuage the guilt they feel for their misdeeds
B) hoping to persuade justice officials to treat them more leniently
C) stating neutralizing definitions favorable to committing deviant acts when the opportunity presents itself
D) engaging in a process of negative self-labeling that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy
E) accepting responsibility for their misdeeds in an immature way