As far as the code is concerned the meter is niether a disconnecting means nor a isolation device. It is one method fire departments use to remove power from a burning structure since entering the structure to switch off the main may present hazards beyond removing the meter.
I agree, but also need to consider it doesn't work that way with all structures.
Even with just dwellings you can't rely on all of them being able to be isolated from electric power by pulling a meter. Some larger dwellings or those with larger services for whatever reason, do have CT metering or other complexities when it comes to isolating electric power in such an emergency.
One higher end home I did in more recent years has padmount transformer at property line with CT metering at the transformer. If fire dept were to show up there they don't know where the service disconnecting means is, and the transformer is located about as close to this home as it is to the neighboring home so it isn't even all that clear what property it serves (it only serves the one BTW), but pulling that meter still wouldn't kill power to the home either. Overhead cutout supplying this transformer is 900 feet or so away, I know I had to bury raceway to it - POCO pulled their cable in my raceway.