Can a concentration spell be cast without concentration?

Some concentration spells have on going effects, which is why they need concentration. But what if you just wanted the instant effect, and did not mind losing the on going effect? Can you cast the spell without concentration (thus maintaining other concentration spells) if you forego the "on going" effect?

For example, cloud of daggers deals 4d4 damage in an AoE. It is a concentration spell, because the AoE remains in place. But if you forewent the effect remaining, so it was just a once off AoE, could you cast it without concentration?

Is there any offical wording on this, or is it just up to the DM?