What should a cloud administrator examine to see all configuration and access levels for an instance?

The most appropriate choice for understanding all configuration and access levels for a cloud instance is to examine metadata. Metadata encompasses essential information about data, including details regarding configurations, permissions, access controls, and other attributes that define how systems and resources behave.

In the context of cloud administration, metadata provides a comprehensive view of the cloud instance, detailing how it is configured, what access levels are set for different users, and any other relevant settings that govern the operation of the instance. By examining metadata, a cloud administrator can effectively manage, audit, and optimize cloud resources, ensuring that they align with organizational security and compliance policies.

The other options do not serve this purpose as effectively. Middleware refers to software that acts as a bridge between different applications or services but does not contain direct information about instance configurations or access levels. Tags are often used for organizational or identification purposes to categorize resources, but they do not provide comprehensive details about configurations or access permissions. Provision refers to the process of setting up resources in the cloud but does not offer insight into existing configurations or access controls once the resources are established.