What is the consequence of incorrectly applying the Delete Rule property?

The consequence of incorrectly applying the Delete Rule property primarily leads to data integrity issues. The Delete Rule property dictates how entities in a database are managed when a related entity is deleted. For instance, if the Delete Rule is set to "Cascade," deleting a parent entity would automatically delete all its child entities, which could lead to unintentional loss of important data if not handled correctly. Conversely, setting it to "Restrict" may prevent the deletion of a parent entity if it has existing related child entities, potentially leading to orphaned records. Mismanagement of these settings can compromise the logical relationships and integrity of the data stored in the database.

The other options are less relevant to the consequence of incorrectly applying the Delete Rule. Simplifying data handling or improving performance are not direct outcomes of a misapplied Delete Rule. Likewise, the automatic resolution of relationships is typically a function of the database design and management strategies, not a consequence of how Delete Rules are applied. Therefore, focusing on the integrity of data relationships clarifies the importance of correct application of the Delete Rule property.