What does a negative value for the electrode potential indicate in redox reactions?

A negative value for the electrode potential in redox reactions indicates that the species in question tends to lose electrons rather than gain them. This characteristic defines the species as a reducing agent, as reducing agents donate electrons to other species in a chemical reaction, effectively causing the other species to be reduced.

In electrochemistry, electrode potential is a measure of the tendency of a chemical species to acquire electrons and thereby be reduced. Standard electrode potentials are measured against a standard hydrogen electrode, which has a defined potential of 0 volts. If a species has a negative electrode potential, it suggests that when compared to the standard hydrogen electrode, it is less likely to gain electrons. This implies that the species has a greater tendency to oxidize and thus act as a reducing agent in a redox reaction.

The other options refer to general characteristics of oxidizing agents or spontaneously occurring reactions, which do not appropriately relate to the implications of a negative electrode potential.