Step 1: Break down the Latin phrase.
"Ultra" means beyond and "vires" means powers in Latin. So "ultra vires" literally translates to "beyond the powers."
Step 2: Apply it in legal context.
When a government body, corporation, or official acts ultra vires, they have acted outside the scope of their legally granted authority. Such actions are invalid and lack legal sanction.
Step 3: Eliminate wrong options.
Options 1, 3, and 4 describe lawful or authorised actions. Ultra vires specifically signals an action performed without legal power. \[ \boxed{\text{actions lacking legal authority}} \]