Step 1: Recall the Beer--Lambert law.
The Beer--Lambert law is
\[
A=\varepsilon lc,
\]
where
- \(A\) = absorbance,
- \(\varepsilon\) = molar absorptivity,
- \(l\) = path length,
- \(c\) = concentration.
Step 2: Determine the proportionality.
From the equation,
\[
A\propto lc.
\]
Hence,
\[
\boxed{\text{Product of concentration and path length}}
\]
is the correct answer.
Therefore,
\[
\boxed{(D)}
\]
is the correct answer.