What term describes a device that grips the rope, including mechanical and webbing varieties?

The term that describes a device that grips the rope, including both mechanical and webbing varieties, is known as a rope grab. Rope grabs are specifically designed to hold onto a rope under load, allowing for effective movement or restraint depending on the application. They are essential in rescue operations, as they provide the necessary functionality to prevent a fall while allowing for upward or downward movement along the rope.

Mechanical rope grabs typically feature components that engage the rope securely when weight is applied, while webbing varieties may include knots or specialized wraps around the rope. This versatility across different types of rope makes the rope grab a fundamental tool in rope rescue operations, where maintaining control and safety is paramount.

The other options do not accurately represent devices that grip the rope in the described manner. A rigging plate is primarily used to distribute load and organize connections between lines and anchors, not as a gripping device. A descender is used to control descent along a rope but does not grip the rope itself in the same way. A loop simply refers to a section formed by bending a rope back on itself, and does not inherently serve the purpose of gripping the rope.