While I can't say for certain what was behind the choice ... the meaning is pretty obvious to anyone who knows Latin. "Bene-" is the Latin root for "good" and "Mal-" is the Latin root for "evil", so "maleficent" is like "beneficent" except ... y'know ... evil instead of good.
The cast of M Is for Maleficium - 2013 includes: Jane Stillwater as Rose
M Is for Maleficium - 2013 was released on: USA: 19 October 2013 (internet)
Maleficent's Dragon form
Maleficent will be on DVD October 28,2014!
Maleficent
The Production Budget for Maleficent was $180,000,000.
Angelina Jolie as Maleficent .
The evil witch in "Sleeping Beauty" is named Maleficent. She is known for cursing Princess Aurora to fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday after being excluded from a royal celebration. Maleficent's character has become iconic, especially with the portrayal by Angelina Jolie in the 2014 film "Maleficent," which offers a new perspective on her story.
She was a maleficent fairy, full of evil and deceit.
'Maleficent'
Malefice was created in 2003.
The exposition of "Maleficent" introduces the character of Maleficent as a powerful fairy protector of the Moors. It establishes her bond with Stefan, who later betrays her, setting the stage for Maleficent's transformation from a benevolent figure to a vengeful villain.