How does the substantial evidence rule apply in a civil appeal?

The law to be applied is well settled. "A challenge in an appellate court to the sufficiency of the evidence is reviewed under the substantial evidence rule. [Citations.] ` "Where findings of fact are challenged on a civil appeal, we are bound by the `elementary, but often overlooked principle of law, that . . . the power of an appellate court begins and ends with a determination as to whether there is any substantial evidence, contradicted or uncontradicted,' to support the findings below. [Citation.] We must therefore view the evidence in the light most favorable to the prevailing party, giving it the benefit of every reasonable inference and resolving all conflicts in its favor in accordance with the standard of review so long adhered to by this court." [Citation.]' [Citations.]" (Lenk v. Total-Western, Inc. (2001) 89 Cal.App.4th 959, 968.)