Choose the word which is opposite in meaning to the word 'seeks' as used in the passage.

'Seeks' means to actively look for or try to obtain something. Its opposite is 'avoids' which means to stay away from or refrain from. 'Deplores' means to strongly disapprove, 'vanishes' means to disappear, and 'approaches' is actually similar in meaning to seeking. Therefore, 'avoids' is the correct antonym.