Correct Answer: Kindness

Solution : The correct choice will be the third option.

Tenderness: It denotes gentle and compassionate care or affection; showing warmth and concern.

Kindness: It denotes the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate; showing sympathy and understanding.

In this context, kindness aligns closely with the meaning of "tenderness" as both convey a sense of gentleness and compassion. 

The meanings of the other options are:

Ruthlessness: It denotes a lack of mercy or compassion; showing no pity or remorse in one's actions.

Severity: It denotes the state or quality of being severe, harsh, or strict; extreme or intense in degree.

Spitefulness: It denotes malicious intent or the desire to harm or annoy others; a mean-spirited or vindictive attitude.

Therefore, the correct answer will be kindness.