"Disparaging" means expressing a negative or belittling opinion about someone or something. It implies criticism, scorn, or disrespect.

"Derogatory" has a similar meaning. If someone makes derogatory remarks, they are making statements that belittle or show a lack of respect for someone or something.

Therefore, in the context of the sentence, "derogatory" is the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word "disparaging" as both convey the idea of expressing negative and disrespectful opinions about someone.