Doors should open inwards/outwards?

We learn by generalizing/finding patterns in what we observe. One such generalization...In offic-y buildings, push the door out to go out. This generalization mostly works..it happens subconsciously, We don't think about this.

But i always had trouble opening the door to the parking lot in the basement. The door opens inside!! while all doors from my floor(3rd) to the ground floor opened outside. As usual, i push the door out and it makes lot of noise. It then hits me...."This one is special" You have to pull it inside to open...WTF?

Today, I found the reason for this weirdness/inconsistency!! and thought i'll share the insight.... The design is to help people get out of the building in case of fire. When people try to rush out in an emergency they push the door out. If it doesn't open, they will push it harder (In panic, ppl don't/can't think). Hence the design!!

In sum, Why does the basement door opens inwards?
The goal is to get people out of the building!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_exit