Which of the following processes completely destroys all microbial life, including spores?

Sterilization is the process that completely destroys all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and particularly resistant structures called spores. This process is essential in medical settings where the highest level of cleanliness and infection control is critical, such as in surgical procedures and laboratory work.

The reason sterilization is the correct choice lies in its ability to achieve a level of microbial reduction that goes beyond disinfection or sanitation. While sanitation reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe level, and chemical disinfection can kill many, but not all pathogens, neither method guarantees the complete eradication of all microbiological entities, particularly spores.

Aseptic technique involves practices designed to prevent contamination but does not itself destroy microbes; instead, it focuses on maintaining a sterile environment during procedures. Therefore, sterilization is the only process designed specifically to achieve total destruction of microbial life, making it the appropriate answer.