Used at the end of a sentence, as if to confirm something that you already know. Often used in a playfully disrespectful way. Can also be used in a similar way to adding 'not' to the end of a sentence.
Much obliged means that whatever was done is appreciated. Literally, it could be extended to mean that the person that says "Much obliged" now owes the other a favor. That the one that is obliged is under an obligation to pay back. Most people wouldn't expect a return favor though.
If a man is given a ride into town, when he gets out of the car, he might say "Much obliged". That would mean: "thank you for the ride. I am appreciative"