<p>[Contrasting with (A)] [most other (B)] fifteenth-century rulers, Portuguese kings [could count on (C)] the support of the aristocracy [in any (D)] overseas ventures. No error (E)</p>
<p>WHY IS THE ANSWER A??? Thanks!</p>
<p>It's "contrasting to." Idiomatic expression.</p>
<p>"constrasting to".</p>
<p>"in overseas ventures" is a little awkward though as well. If you wanted to keep the any, it would have to read "in any overseas venture."</p>
<p>"Contrasting to," is also incorrect.</p>
<p>It should be "In contrast to."</p>