ToRespond is an odd verb, in that its object and second object are only accessible by prepositions or by connection through other verbs.
He responded to the allegation by running away.
His response was to run away.
The possessive needs to capture the second object of the relation.
You must respond by six o’clock.
We can use an Action as parent to determine whether the object of ‘by’ is suitable as a response.
In responding to the crisis, John fell down in his attempt to remain calm.
In response to the crisis, aid was sent.
He did so in response to the crisis.
The patient was not responsive to the medicine.
The response of the patient was slight.
He was the responsible officer.
He was first responder.