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Almost all the attack spells in the PHB specific the type of target as either a creature, an object, or a point in space (as per Target section on PHB pg 204).
Scorching Ray just says
You create three rays of fire and hurl them at targets within range
But it doesn't specify what types of targets (creature, object, point in space). Should I interpret that to mean all three are then valid? I couldn't find anything in the Errata or Sage Advice Compendium on this specifically.
Many spells and other effects are examplary to the rule Specific Beats General on page 7 of the Player's Handbook:
Remember this: If a specific rule contradicts a general rule, the specific rule wins.
The spell scorching ray, however, falls in line with the general rule, and seems to have no specific rules for the targets of its attacks. Since the spell does not clarify a specific target for its rays, we use the general rule about Making an Attack on page 193-194 of the Player's Handbook , more specifically the first bulletpoint:
Pick a target within your attack's range: a creature, an object, or a location.
Unless it says otherwise, you can target any creature or object within range (and not behind total cover).
As a general rule, attacks have broader targeting restrictions than save-inducing abilities.
