From the above discussion we encounter terms that are only partially understood but, are used daily in design. Most discussions center on the soil shearing strength, which is usually substantially enhanced with confinement. Depth is usually good. Soil Consolidation is normally a secondary concern in the books, but in some areas may be the governing factor, most of the time.
An important point is that bearing capacity taken from in-situ testing (SPT, CPT, Pressure cell etc.) begins as Gross Bearing, as the soil trength considerations are direction addressed. Initially, the soil overburden (and in some cases, existing foundation loads) is considered.
Consolidometer (settlement) testing begins as Net Bearing, as settlement limitations are addressed. Remember that settlement is caused by Net increases in applied load.
There are many references but only a few that provide easily understood definitions, along with discussion which illuminates the issue and presents potential pitfalls.
B.K. Hough, Basic Soils Engineering, 2nd Edition, 1969, provides a good discussion in chap. 9, without going into how the actual bearing values are obtained.
A.S.C.E., Bearing Capaity of Soils, Technical Engineering & Design Guide,()US Corps of Engrs., 1993 provides a useful set of definitions, good discussion, methods of computation and a good bibliography.
C.G.S., Canadian Foundation Engineering Manual, 3rd Edition, 1992. Chaps 8, 9 & 10 directly addresses the question.
Fellenius, Basics of Foundation Design, 2nd Edition, 1999, provides discussion which is to the point.
Sorry for the length.