What was one of the reasons the British took strategic locations like Gibraltar and Malta despite limited economic benefits?

The choice highlighting the importance of geopolitics over economic benefits is correct because during the time when the British acquired strategic locations like Gibraltar and Malta, they prioritized control of key maritime routes and military advantages over direct economic gain. These locations provided essential naval bases that allowed the British to protect their shipping lines, control access to the Mediterranean Sea, and secure their global empire against rival powers.

Control of such locations was crucial for maintaining naval supremacy and ensuring that Britain could project its power internationally, especially during conflicts such as the Napoleonic Wars. This strategic mindset often outweighed the immediate economic returns, as the geopolitical stability and military readiness that controlling these territories provided were vital for Britain's long-term interests and security.

The other reasons mentioned in the other options do not accurately represent the broader strategic motivations during that period, which were predominantly influenced by military strategy and geopolitical considerations rather than economic factors or cultural expansion.