Step 1: Recall the four categories of business responsibility.
Carroll's pyramid of CSR identifies four levels: Economic (foundational), Legal, Ethical, and Discretionary (philanthropic).
Step 2: Understand why economic responsibility comes first.
A business is, at its core, an economic institution. Without earning enough to cover costs and generate profit, it cannot survive, pay employees, or fulfil any other responsibility.
Step 3: Classify "Donate for charity".
Charitable donations are voluntary and discretionary - a business does good beyond what law or ethics requires. This is the highest level, not the primary (foundational) one.
Step 4: Classify "Control pollution".
Pollution control is both an ethical and legal responsibility. It protects society and the environment, but it is a constraint on operations, not the foundational purpose.
Step 5: Classify "Pay taxes honestly".
Paying taxes is a legal obligation imposed by the government. It is compliance, not the core economic function.
Step 6: Confirm the primary economic responsibility.
Earning profits by meeting consumer needs is the bedrock economic duty. By producing what society wants and selling it profitably, the business sustains itself and creates economic value.
\[ \boxed{ \text{(A) To earn profits by meeting consumer needs} } \]