Mutilation can result from which of the following?

Mutilation is often associated with alterations to the body that can significantly affect its appearance or structure. Among the given options, improper embalming techniques stand out as a direct cause of mutilation. When embalming is not done correctly, it can lead to various forms of damage, such as misshapen or disfigured body parts due to the application of too much or too little embalming fluid, or poorly performed incisions.

While natural decay of the body, pathological diseases, and accidental injuries before death can cause changes to the body, they do not specifically pertain to the intentional or procedural alterations typically described by the term "mutilation." Instead, these conditions either occur naturally or are the result of external factors rather than a failure in a specific process like embalming. This makes improper embalming techniques the most fitting choice for identifying a potential cause of mutilation in the context of preparing a body for disposition.