For the expression which has been underlined in each of the following sentences, choose the response (a), (b), (c) or (d) which most nearly expresses its meaning .
In spite of his hard work, he was `underline("made a scapegoat")` for the failure of the project.

Options

A. freed from any responsibility for
B. suspected of causing
C. blamed without reason for
D. was severely punished for