When Discarding is listed as a Cost, then the Action must be able to be completed for the cost to be paid. Example: A card has the ability "Discard 2: Deal 2 damage to a unit at a battlefield." To activate the ability, the card's controller must have at least 2 cards in hand and must be able to discard them.
§ 422.3 Core Rules PDF (officieel)
§ 422 Discard