Multiple path and pool definitions

I guess part of my confusion in trying to figure this out is not knowing how traffic is handled. So I understand the switch and when if matches, let's say, "/path1*" and then send the traffic to the specified pool or node. But where in the iRule does it state to use the /path1 I put in place in my original request, or is that just how it works? What is I wanted to put in /pathx but the destination node was looking for pathy? Would that be an additional command in the switch too? Sorry, like I mentioned earlier, I'm very new to iRules. Thank you again for all of your assistance.