What deed provides the grantee with the least protection of any deed, while putting the least liability on the grantor?

A bargain and sale deed implies that the grantor has title to the property and the right to convey it, but it does not provide warranties against any claims. While it offers more protection than a quitclaim deed, it still does not ensure the title is free from defects, making it a step up in security compared to a quitclaim.

A general warranty deed provides the highest level of protection for the grantee. It includes warranties that the title is clear and the grantor is liable for any defects that may arise, regardless of when they occurred. This type of deed places significant liability on the grantor, contrasting sharply with the minimal liability of a quitclaim deed.

A special warranty deed protects the grantee only against claims that arose during the grantor's period of ownership. While it offers some level of assurance regarding the title, it does not offer the comprehensive protection that a general warranty deed does. Therefore, it still offers more protection than a quitclaim deed.