The ethical principle of beneficence refers to the obligation of healthcare providers to act in the best interest of the patient and promote their well-being. It involves taking actions that benefit the patient, such as providing effective treatments and preventing harm. While equitable resource distribution is important, it is primarily linked to justice, not beneficence. Beneficence focuses on actively doing good and maximizing positive outcomes for patients. Therefore, ensuring equal resource allocation does not best describe beneficence but rather the principle of justice.

Reference: Medical Ethics, 3rd Edition.