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In MLB, if a Catcher drops or misses the third pitched strike, the batter becomes a runner and can attempt to reach first base before tagged out or forced out at first.

6.09 The batter becomes a runner when -- (a) He hits a fair ball; (b) The third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is unoccupied, or (2) first base is occupied with two out; -- Official MLB Rules

What is the reasoning behind this rule? Why does it only happen if first base is unoccupied, and what's with that crazy extra exception of two outs?

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The exception about first base being unoccupied is to prevent a catcher from intentionally dropping a third strike and then getting a double-play. If there are two outs, that prevention isn't necessary.

As for the reasoning behind the rule itself, I can't find a definitive resource, but speculation is that an out needs a successful defensive player and an unsuccessful offensive player to occur.

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Ah, of course! Hadn't thought the first-base occupation through. Your speculation sounds right, too, and I noticed a similar guess on the wikipedia article. – Thomas Shields Apr 29 '12 at 16:35
So why can't the pitcher who threw the strike be considered the "successful defensive player"? – JoelFan May 3 '12 at 3:52
@JoelFan: Maybe it should be "successful defensive play" and "unsuccessful offensive play" instead of player. – Jacob G May 3 '12 at 12:43

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