Consumer surplus is the

A$.$ the difference between the maximum price consumers are willing and able to pay and the price actually paid to producers.

B$.$ the difference between the maximum price consumers are willing and able to pay and the minimum price producers are willing to accept.

C$.$ the total amount consumers paid for a product.

D$.$ the difference between the amount a producer is willing to accept and the price actually received.

E$.$ the area under the marginal benefit curve.