direct to a waypoint
Before departure in a small airport in the northern of italy, we were cleared to follow a SID. The last waypoint was VIC, with a minimum crossing level of 120, as stated in the departure chart.
Just after departure, identified and under radar control, ATC cleared us direct to VIC without following any SID.
My question is: When under radar control, if ATC gives me a direct to, is terrain separation pilot's responsability or ATC's responsability (Minimum vectoring altitude applies)?
In other words: is a direct to considered as a vector?
Thanks