Although a) is possible that is not the first thing that will happen - need a change in AoA first (which would not be instantaneous) and before the abrupt control deflection causes an AoA change it would (possibly) cause damage.
b) is the correct answer by definition:
In aviation, the maneuvering speed of an aircraft is an airspeed limitation selected by the designer of the aircraft. At speeds close to, and faster than, the maneuvering speed, full deflection of any flight control surface should not be attempted because of the risk of damage to the aircraft structure
VA = Design maneuvering speed (also called corner[ing] speed[citation needed]). This is the speed above which it is unwise to make full application of any single flight control (or "pull to the stops") as it may generate a force greater than the aircraft's structural limitations
NB:
VFE = Maximum flap extended speed
Nothing to do with control deflections.
(were you confusing it with VNE)
Above definitions courtesy of Wikipedia, that well known authoritative aviation reference.