Since it only happens in hardcore it might be intended but my thinking was: I died, I want to see on what I missed but as soon as someone dies the gamerule changes to false (in singleplayer and SMP) so you can't explore your hardcore world beyond on what you have already generated.
Might be intended but I always have to set it back and it's kindof annoying at least in SMP.
Can this be reopened? Moderators aren't Mojang @Neko.