<p>The correct answer is <strong>(A) regardless</strong>.</p>
<p>The sentence is discussing the warehouse manager's plan to ship all of the merchandise by the end of the week, without considering or being affected by the cost. This indicates that the manager intends to ship the merchandise regardless of the cost.</p>
<p>The word "regardless" is an adverb that means "without regard or consideration; in spite of everything; without being influenced or affected by." It is the most appropriate choice in this context.</p>
<p>The other options are not suitable:</p>
<p>(B) "Regardful" is an adjective that means "showing consideration or attention." It does not convey the intended meaning in this sentence.</p>
<p>(C) "Regarding" is a preposition that means "concerning or with respect to." It is used to introduce a specific subject or topic, and it does not fit in the sentence structure.</p>
<p>(D) "Regarded" is the past participle form of the verb "regard," which means "to consider or think of (someone or something) in a specified way." It does not fit grammatically or contextually in the sentence.</p>