The use of multiple columns in this example is the same as selecting a single c1 or c2 column in the nested exists query.
1> create table t1(c1 int, c2 int) 2> go 1> create table t2(c1 int, c2 int) 2> go 1> select * from t1 where exists (select c1, c2 from t2) 2> go
You cannot mix an asterisk with other select items, such as:
1> select * from t1 where exists (select t2.*, c1 from t2) 2> go
Msg 102, Level 15, State 1: Line 1: Incorrect syntax near ','.