Which behavior involves no verbal compliance but could potentially be followed by a refusal to obey commands?

The behavior that involves no verbal compliance but could potentially be followed by a refusal to obey commands is verbal noncompliance. This type of behavior is characterized by the individual's unwillingness to respond positively to verbal instructions or requests, leading to a situation where they do not engage cooperatively with authority figures.

Verbal noncompliance specifically pertains to a lack of verbal acknowledgment or agreement, which sets the stage for potential escalation if commands are issued. In contrast, the other behaviors described, such as passive resistance, psychological intimidation, or active aggression, have distinctly different characteristics and responses. Passive resistance may involve non-verbal cues such as body language indicative of non-compliance but usually does not include outright refusal to engage verbally. Psychological intimidation often entails the use of threats or fear tactics, while active aggression involves direct and overt hostility. Therefore, verbal noncompliance accurately captures the idea of refusal to comply without engaging in conflict verbally, making it the correct choice for this question.