Which term means utterly odious or wicked?

The term that means utterly odious or wicked is "heinous." This word is often used in legal and moral contexts to describe actions that are extremely reprehensible, morally wrong, or shockingly wicked. For example, heinous crimes evoke a strong emotional response due to their severe nature, such as violent acts that violate societal norms and ethics.

In contrast, other choices encompass different meanings. "Vile" also conveys a sense of disgust but is more related to something morally despicable or highly unpleasant. On the other hand, "benign" and "innocuous" imply gentleness and harmlessness, which stands in stark opposition to the notion of something being wicked or odious. Thus, "heinous" is the most appropriate word to describe something that is utterly odious or wicked, making it the correct choice.