Means of egress through adjoining or intervening rooms or spaces are not prohibited in a Group ____ occupancy where the adjoining or intervening rooms or spaces are the same or a lesser hazard occupancy group.

The correct answer indicates that means of egress through adjoining or intervening rooms or spaces is permitted for Group A through C occupancies given that those adjoining or intervening areas are classified within the same occupancy group or are of lesser hazard classification.

In building codes, means of egress is a critical consideration for ensuring safety in case of an emergency, such as a fire. The allowance for egress through adjoining spaces in lower hazard categories aims to facilitate safe evacuation while still addressing potential fire risks. Group A refers to assembly occupancies, Group B encompasses business occupancies, and Group C includes mercantile occupancies. These groups typically have lesser hazards compared to Group H (high-hazard), which involves dangerous materials, or Group S (storage), which may involve significant risk depending on the storage type.

Hence, the permissibility of using adjoining or intervening rooms for egress within Groups A through C supports efficient emergency evacuation and recognizes the reduced risk associated with these occupancy types. This makes the code more flexible and practical in handling real-world scenarios while still prioritizing occupant safety.