Who is defined as the person who contracts directly with the owner?

The correct choice is the general contractor because their primary role is to serve as the main point of contact for the project between the owner and the different parties involved in construction. The general contractor is responsible for overseeing the entire construction process, ensuring that work is completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. This position entails having a direct contractual agreement with the owner of the property, meaning they manage the overall project and delegate tasks to subcontractors as necessary.

Subcontractors typically work under the general contractor's supervision and have contracts with them, rather than the owner. Commercial contractors can refer to those who operate in a broader context, often encompassing various types of contracting work but are not specifically defined by their direct contract with the owner. Specialty contractors focus on specific trades or specialties within the construction process and do not engage directly with the owner but rather usually work under the main contractor.

Thus, the general contractor is explicitly defined by their direct contractual relationship with the owner, making this option the accurate answer.