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David,
You may be remembering this situation in the MLBUM:
6.11 Batter interferes after a third strike not caught
OBR 7.09(a) provides that the batter-runner be called out for interference if "after a third strike he hinders the catcher in his attempt to field the ball."
Play: First base unoccupied or two out. Strike three not caught. B-R unintentionally kicks, touches, or otherwise deflects the pitched ball that was not caught by the catcher. Catcher is unable to make a play.
Ruling: If this occurs in the vicinity of home plate, the ball is alive and in play. However, if this occurs up the first base line (where the B-R has had time to avoid the ball), interference is called, the B-R is declared out, and runners return to base occupied at the time of the pitch.
The key phrase is "where the B-R has had time to avoid the ball". Instead of trying to determine the B/R's intentions, determine if he had a reasonable amount of time to avoid.
Note that contrary to what was posted earlier, this does not mean that any kick is intentional--just the ones where the player had time to avoid.
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