Why did the angels ask "Will you place therein someone who will cause corruption..."?

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

1. It is phrased as a question but it is actually intended as a confirmation. The implication is, "You will place upon it those who cause corruption therein." [Abū ʿUbaydah]
2. They asked in order to learn the wisdom behind Allah's action, not as an objection. [Al-Zajjāj]
3. The angels were asking about their own status. The implied meaning is: “Will You or will You not place on it one who will spread corruption, while we glorify You with Your praise?”