A 38-year-old woman from Mumbai is admitted with acute liver failure following accidental ingestion of a large quantity of acetaminophen (paracetamol) 36 hours ago. She presents with jaundice, confusion, and coagulopathy (INR 4.2). Liver function tests show: AST 8,400 U/L, ALT 9,200 U/L, total bilirubin 6.8 mg/dL, albumin 2.8 g/dL. Abdominal ultrasound shows a shrunken liver with heterogeneous echotexture. A liver biopsy performed reveals extensive hepatocyte necrosis with loss of hepatocyte nuclei, cellular debris, and early infiltration by macrophages and neutrophils. However, the hepatic architecture (portal tracts and central veins) remains relatively preserved. The patient is started on N-acetylcysteine (NAC), supportive care, and is listed for emergency liver transplantation. Which of the following best characterizes the nature of hepatocellular injury in this patient?